Date Time Topic Location 9/21/13 Saturday

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1 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr., Las Vegas, NV Helen Silva Faith Formation and CGS: ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Program of Parental Catechesis in Support of the Faith Formation of their Children Date Time Topic Location 9/21/13 Saturday 9:30 11:30 am Introduction and Expectations Parish Hall 9/26/13 6:00 8:00 pm School Library Introduction and Expectations Thursday 10/17/13 6:00 8:00 pm Baptism and School Assembly Room Thursday Christian Initiation 11/2/2013 Saturday 9:30 11:30 am Baptism and Christian Initiation School Assembly Room 11/16/13 9:30 11:30 am The Mass, Part I Parish Hall Saturday 11/21/13 6:00 8:00 pm The Mass, Part I School Library Thursday 1/11/14 9:30 11:30 am The Mass, Part II Parish Hall Saturday 1/16/14 Thursday 6:00 8:00 pm The Mass, Part II School Library 2/22/14 Saturday 9:30 11:30 am Rite of Reconciliation Parish Hall 2/27/2014 6:00 8:00 pm Rite of Reconciliation School Library Thursday 4/5/14 9:30 11:30 am Rite of Eucharist Parish Hall 4/10/14 6:00 8:00 pm Rite of Eucharist School Library *Saturday, October 5, 2013 meeting date had to be rescheduled. The new date for this meeting will be Saturday, November 2, Please note in this instance, the alternate date will come in advance of the regular meeting. Attendance at Sunday Liturgy All children in Sacrament Preparation Year 1 and 2 are required to attend Sunday Mass at least and not limited to 25 Sundays during the school year. As a practicing Catholic, we are required to attend Sunday Liturgy weekly. Attendance will be taken at the church lobby starting Sunday September 22, Beginning Sunday September 22, 2013 through May 18, A volunteer will be positioned in the church lobby for the children to sign in at the end of each Mass. Continured on next page

2 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr., Las Vegas, NV Helen Silva Faith Formation and CGS: ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH (Continued) Mass Attendance- A volunteer will be positioned in the church lobby for the children to sign in at the end of each Mass. With many thanks to all our amazing Catechists and Assistants we were able to provide a volunteer for all the Masses each weekend. If you choose to attend Sunday Liturgy at another parish other than SEAS please bring that Sunday s bulletin signed by the presider. Your child can turn in the signed bulletin to the catechist on Tuesday. The children will receive 52 offertory envelops the second week of October to encourage stewardship. The Children can include a prayer or a monetary donation; all contribution will be added to the church donation account and will not be included in the family account. Please continue to use the family envelopes to receive credit for your contributions. For those parents who are unable to attend the parental catechesis meetings on Saturdays can now make up the same session on Thursdays, also the October date had to be changed due to a scheduling conflict (see schedule). Child care will be provided on Saturdays only for those families that require it. Please inform the Faith Formation Office 3 days prior to the meeting so we can plan accordingly. Our primary mode of communication is via , please save the following addresses in your account to ensure you receive all correspondence from us. Helen Silva Hsilva@seaslv.org Patricia Pavliga Ppavliga@seaslv.org ( ) First Reconciliation & First Eucharist Retreat Dates for Parents and Child Year 2 Faith Formation Date Time Topic Location Tuesday 3/11/14 4:30 & 6pm First Reconciliation Retreat - True Vine I Parish Hall Tuesday 3/18/14 Tuesday 3/25/14 4:30 & 6pm First Reconciliation Retreat - True Vine II 4:30 & 6pm First Reconciliation Retreat Forgiving Father & Paralytic Parish Hall Parish Hall Tuesday 04/01/14 4:30-6:30pm First Reconciliation Celebration Church Saturday 05/17/14 9 am 1 pm First Eucharist Retreat Parish Hall/Church Sunday 05/18/14 2 pm First Eucharist Celebration Church and Parish Hall

3 Faith Formation Family Handbook FAITH FORMATION Family Handbook

4 Faith Formation Family Handbook Welcome from Fr. Bede Dear Family, Welcome to all of you - those who are coming to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton s Faith Formation programs for the first time and those who are returning. We take very seriously the confidence you place in us by enrolling your child in our programs, and we will do everything possible to support you. You are your child's first and most important teachers in helping them to grow in faith and understanding of our Roman Catholic tradition. We understand formation in faith as a life-long journey in discipleship that is enhanced by learning about the basic elements important to our faith - the Sacred Scriptures, the prayers, the sacraments, the liturgy, the history of our journey of faith from the beginning of creation down to the present day, and a future to which we look forward in joyful hope. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program begins at SEAS this school year and we pray that you will support and help the program to grow. All of our sacramental preparation programs are offered on Tuesday with the understanding that participation in the Sunday Liturgy is essential to the formation of the child. In an effort to keep all our children safe, we present the Touching Safety program as part of our curriculum. If you would like information regarding the program, or other parent information, please feel free to go online to the VIRTUS website at I look forward to seeing you at Mass (the source and summit of all we do) as well as the many varied events hosted at our parish. The Faith Formation Office as well as the entire parish staff is ready to help you in any way possible, and of course, my door is always open to you. Thank you again for your participation in our programs. In Christ, Fr. Bede Wevita Pastor 2 3

5 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church Parish Mission Statement We, the community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, are dedicated to continuing the mission of Christ by proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity. We strive to respond to the Lord s call of discipleship by nurturing a sense of belonging among parishioners and providing opportunities for living out the Gospel while joyfully embracing life and spiritual transformation. This commitment is our baptismal call and manifest in worship, education, evangelization, stewardship, fellowship, and service as we desire to do God s will under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our patron saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and the teaching office of the Catholic Church. Registration Parish Faith Formation registration is not registration in the parish. It is important to be registered in the parish and to use your donation envelopes so that we have records of your activity in the parish. If you ever request a letter for Baptism, Marriage, Confirmation, a tax statement, being a godparent or sponsor, or if you would like to have your child enrolled in our Faith Formation Program, or for many other reasons, we must check our records to confirm that you indeed attend here before we can make a statement to that effect. We also cannot sign affidavits stating that you are a member of the parish (even if you attend Mass here), if we have no records to that effect. Parents and families in Faith Formation are expected to fully and actively participate in the weekly Sunday liturgy and contribute to the support of the Church. Faith Formation Procedures Scheduled registration periods are announced at Mass and in the Parish bulletin. To register for the program you must: complete a registration form for each child; provide a Baptismal certificate for your baptized child at the time of registration; pay or arrange for payment of tuition and fees. Late registrations incur additional fees. a letter of transfer must be provided if the child has completed the previous year in another parish. Tuition All tuition fees must be paid by the last day of Faith Formation for the current year. It is the practice of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish that no child will be denied admission to any Faith Formation programs due to financial considerations. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at if you have any questions. 3 4

6 Faith Formation Family Handbook Faith Formation Office Helen Silva Director of Faith Formation Patricia Pavliga Secretary 1807 Pueblo Vista Drive, Las Vegas, NV Fax: Classes Times - All classes are held in the SEAS School. Mondays - Continuing Faith Formation Grades 3-8 Times: 4:30 5:40pm and 6-7:10pm Tuesdays - Sacrament Preparation Year 1 & Year 2 (RCIC) Grades 1-8 Times: 4:30 5:40pm and 6-7:10pm Tuesdays Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Ages 3 5 Times: 4:30 5:40pm and 6-7:10pm 4 5

7 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church Introduction to Faith Formation The mission statement for Faith Formation programs of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish embodies the four-fold purpose of formation and education in the Christian faith, namely: to provide an atmosphere in which the gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm, and thanksgiving and worship of our God is cultivated. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Renewing our Commitment to Catholic Education and Secondary Schools, Washington, D.C., 2005) Our commitment is to support the family s life-long relationship with God in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. The most important element in our program is the family. At your child s Baptism, you committed to instructing your child in the Catholic faith. Through your guidance and example, your child comes to know the love and concern God has for him or her. Family cooperation and support is essential in opening the heart and mind of your child to God. It is the desire of the Faith Formation Office to work with parents, children, and catechists to support ongoing growth in faith. Faith Formation for Children Christ calls all the faithful to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world and to hand his message on to successive generations by professing, living, and celebrating the faith in Liturgy and prayer. (National Directory for Catechesis, p. 41) The Faith Formation Programs for children at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish are designed to nurture an ever-growing, life-long relationship with God. They offer support for ongoing growth in the child s life with God. The programs are designed for children in grades pre-k through high school. They feature innovative, age-appropriate faith learning and life application. Content is based on Scripture, Liturgy, the Sacraments, and Sacred Tradition. At the heart of the programs is liturgy and prayer. The programs encourage our children and youth to rely on their faith as they live in a world that does not always share gospel values. Our programs stress that formation is a life-long process and that catechesis is the responsibility of the whole faith community. The whole community (parents and family, priests, and catechists) is called to pass on the faith through faith-sharing with the children and witness of daily life, as well as to participate, as fully as possible, in the Sunday liturgy. 5 6

8 Faith Formation Family Handbook Children s Catechumenate- RCIC Christian Initiation of Children who have Reached Catechetical Age (7 years old or older) The Christian initiation of these children requires both a conversion that is personal and somewhat developed, in proportion to their age, and the assistance of the education they need. (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, The Christian Initiation of Children Who Have Reach Catechetical Age, p. 155) 1. This is a two year program for children who were not baptized as infants, who have attained the age of reason, are of catechetical age, and who will participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil. 2. Children will attend weekly age-appropriate classes and parents will attend Sacrament Preparation Meetings periodically as required by the pastor. 3. Children will celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil of their second year. First year participants will attend age-appropriate classes with children who are already baptized, and are preparing to celebrate First Eucharist. The second year of classes emphasizes the child s relationship with God, and their families within the body of Christ, the Church. A sponsor accompanies the child on his /her journey. All sponsors must fulfill diocesan requirements. During the two years, special sessions are held to help children, families, sponsors prepare for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, and parents are required to attended mandatory parent session and retreats. The celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil of the second year. The children then begin a period of reflection on the initiation process called mystagogy where they reflect on the sacraments celebrated and continue to grow in their faith. Continuing Faith Formation Children in 3 grade and higher who are baptized, and have received First Eucharist will continue their formation in age appropriate classes on Monday evenings. It is the practice of our faith that formation is ongoing and is a life-long journey. 7 6

9 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist The liturgical life of the church revolves around the sacraments, with the Eucharist at the center. Catechesis for the Eucharist recognizes it as the heart of Christian life for the whole Church, for the dioceses, and parishes, and for each individual Christian. (National Directory for Catechesis, pp. 113 and 124.) The two year preparation program to celebrate First Eucharist teaches children about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. 1. First Eucharist preparation is a two-year process. 2. The child is at least seven years of age at the time the sacrament of First Eucharist is celebrated. 3. The child has completed one full year of Catholic faith formation in a parish program or parochial school the year before beginning the second year of preparation at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. 4. If the parish program or parochial school is other than St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, a letter from the parish or school stating that the child has been in the program or school the previous year must be presented at the time of registration. 5. Parents or guardians are registered members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. 6. The child is registered in and regularly attends Faith Formation sessions at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. 7. Parents attend special meetings, retreats and parent sessions with/for their child celebrating First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. 8. Children baptized in other faith traditions will make a Profession of Faith and then celebrate First Eucharist. Attendance at Sunday Liturgy All children in Sacrament Preparation Year 1 & 2 are required to attend Sunday Mass at least and not limited to 25 Sundays during the school year. As a practicing Catholic, we are required to attend Sunday Liturgy weekly. Attendance will be taken at the church lobby starting Sunday September 22, Sacrament Preparation Parent Meetings Year 2 All parents of children in sacrament preparation year 2 are required to attend all 6 parent meetings conducted by Fr. Bede. These meetings will assist parents in preparing their children for the sacraments. 7 8

10 Faith Formation Family Handbook Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program for the faith and spiritual formation of the child. The focus of the program is to deepen the child s existing relationship with God; to encourage the formation of a personal prayer life; to participate fully in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church; and to develop a deeper understanding of Catholic identity and tradition. This is accomplished through the use of materials, prayer, song, listening to the Word of God, and giving the child time to work with the materials provided. All lessons are presented using Montessori methods that encourage the child to work with a variety of easily accessible materials. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based upon the principles of the Montessori method of: 1. the prepared environment; 2. child-directed activity; 3. adult as servant and observer. Level One encourages children ages 3-6 to develop their innate potential for a faith-filled relationship with God. They encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd who loves them, cares for them, and knows them by name. Catechesis includes Scripture, Mass gestures, prayers, artwork, and music. Level One is for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children. Child s Paperwork Each child will have a folder in which to keep their papers (coloring, gluing, etc..) At the end of the year, we will send the work home. We ask parents not to expect paperwork after each session, since one key Montessori principle is that young children work for the process and not the end product. Candles Candles are lit in the Atrium when Scripture is read and during sacred moments. An adult always supervises the children when they are near candles. Only the adult handles matches. Dress Code Dress children in comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement, as they will be working on mats on the ground. No blinking shoes and/or ballerina tutus please. Special Note to CGS Parents In order to determine if your child is ready to join the other children in the Atrium (room) the following questions will assist you. Can/Does your child follow simple directions? Can/Does your child communicate in simple sentences? Can/Does your child transition from one activity to another with ease? Can/Does your child interact with other children? Does your child separate from you easily? Is your child completely potty trained? Is your child able to care for their bathroom needs without assistance? We realize that children are unique and develop at their own pace. If your child has not acclimated to the Atrium by October 31, we would encourage that he/she return to the Atrium the following year. This is in the best interest of your child and the other children in the Atrium. Your tuition fee will be adjusted accordingly. 8 9

11 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church Policies of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Faith Formation Programs. Attendance Children enrolled in the age-appropriate continuing Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation programs at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish are expected to attend all classes. Parents/guardians should communicate with the Faith Formation Office concerning absences. Excused absence are limited to 5, excessive absences will be reviewed. All Sacramental Preparation students and at least one parent are required to attend all preparation events (e.g. True Vine Meditation Evenings and First Eucharist Retreat.) Arrival and Departure In the interest of your child s safety and to ensure proper supervision, students should arrive no earlier than fifteen (10) minutes before the scheduled class time. This will provide time for the volunteer catechist and assistant to arrive and set up for the lesson. The gates will open 10 minutes before each session and parents will walk the children to their classroom and Sign in with the catechist. At dismissal, the gates will open 10 minutes before the actual dismissal of class. Parents will meet the children at their class and Sign out the children each day. If you are delayed, the child will remain in the Faith Formation Office until you arrive. Please bring ID, and you will be asked to sign out the child on the Log Book. Tardiness Participation in class is very important. Each child needs to be in class on time. Late arrival disrupts the class in progress. Please do all you can to insure your child s prompt arrival for class. In the event the child is late, bring him/her to the Faith Formation Office where the attendance will be marked. A child arriving 20 minutes after session begins will be marked tardy. Custodial Rights St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (SEAS) abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order, we will provide the non-custodial parent with unofficial copies of records. If there is a court order specifying that no information is to be given to the noncustodial parent, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent or guardian to provide the Faith Formation Office with an official copy of the court order. (A copy will also be given to the Parish Office.). We respectfully request that all parents/guardians provide a copy of the court-certified copy of the custody section in a divorce decree which applies to the child(ren) being registered for the SEAS Faith Formation Program. This information will help us to determine when, if ever, a child can be released to a non-custodial parent. Attendance at Sunday Liturgy All children in Sacrament Preparation in Year 1 & 2 are required to attend Sunday Mass at least and not limiting to 25 Sundays during the school year. As a practicing Catholic, we are required to attend Sunday Liturgy weekly. Attendance will be taken at the church lobby beginning with Sunday September 22,

12 Faith Formation Family Handbook Behavior We are all called into relationship as human beings with God, self, other s and all of creation. To help foster this in all our activities, we expect mutual respect from both catechists and children. A child s behavior must not interfere with any activity in class or on the Church premises. Everyone is expected to behave in a Christian manner, caring for and respecting one another. Children who show disrespect in class, to the catechist, or to one another will be corrected by the catechist or a member of the Faith Formation staff. A meeting with parents may be requested to resolve a problem. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to: disrespect to others disruptive actions or words intentionally injuring another person with physical or verbal abuse defacing or destroying Church or another s property bringing inappropriate items to class (including anti-christian, dangerous, or offensive items or clothing) At any time, families may request a meeting with Fr. Bede. Our commitment is to help guide each child in his or her journey with the Lord. It is a commitment in love and patience. Records Records for each child are kept in the Faith Formation Office. A copy of the Birth certificate and Baptismal certificate is requested at the time of registration. It is necessary to have this certificate on file stating where and when the child was baptized. Whenever the child celebrates other sacraments in our parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church notifies the parish of baptism. If a family moves or transfers to another parish, copies of the child s records can be sent to the new parish upon request. Requests should include the complete address of the parish to which these documents are to be sent. Crisis Plan All catechists and assistants over the age of 18 are required to be fingerprinted and attend training in Protecting God s Children. As part of the Faith Formation curriculum, all students in Kindergarten through grade 12 are required to participate in the Touching Safety program that is presented during the school year. Advocacy is available through the diocese for any individual who has been sexually and/or physically abused. The 24-hour hotline number is: All catechists and assistants are familiar with all building exits, in the case of fire or other emergency. The Faith Formation Office will contact parents/guardians in the event of an emergency. Medication No volunteer personnel may administer ANY medication to any child. Medication may only be dispensed to a child by parent on premises. Church is not responsible for any medical situations that we have not been notified at time of registration or when the situation arise

13 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church Communication The normal means of communication from the Faith Formation Office to families is the monthly calendar/ newsletter available through to the parent, on the parish website, or in the parish bulletin. On occasion, special notifications may be sent home with the child. You may contact the Faith Formation Office with any questions regarding Sacrament Preparation, Continuing Formation, Tuition, and or Catechists/Assistants. If you wish to speak with your child s catechist, please do so either before or after class. You may make an appointment through the Faith Formation Office to meet with the Faith Formation staff. You may make an appointment with Fr. Bede directly through the parish. Parents are asked to provide any necessary medical information or special need of the child. Please notify the Parish and Faith Formation offices of any change of address or telephone numbers. Parents are asked to provide emergency contact numbers in the event we are unable to reach you while your child is in session at SEAS. Parents are responsible to keep this information update along with home address, phone numbers and especially addresses, as our main mode of communication is . Information regarding our program and updates will be included in the weekly bulletin and the website. Special Activities Throughout the year, in all Faith Formation programs, there are special activities scheduled to enhance and supplement catechesis. Parents/guardians will be notified in advance of the activity either through the bulletin and/ or the monthly calendar/newsletter. Written permission will be requested before all off-campus activities. Telephone calls cannot replace signed permission slips. If seriously inappropriate behavior occurs while off-site, the parent/guardian will be notified to come to the activity or event location to pick up the child. Dress Code Students are expected to dress modestly and comfortably to class. Parents will be called to pick up their child in the event an outfit is deemed inappropriate. The parent will be called and the child will be sent home. Since all modes of dress can t be addressed, the following are guidelines: Pants and skirts should be at least knee length No mid-drift shirts or blouses No spaghetti strap or low front shirts or blouses No shirts with words or inappropriate drawings (front or back) No slippers, pajama bottoms, etc. No pants or shirts with obvious holes or rips Right to Amend The Faith Formation Office reserves the right to unilaterally change the policies contained in this handbook at any time, to cancel any policy, or to decline to apply a particular policy in a given situation, if, in its discretion, to do so would serve the interests of the children, families enrolled in this program, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, or the Diocese of Las Vegas. Parents and catechists will be given prompt notification of changes

14 Faith Formation Family Handbook Classroom Visitors No friends or siblings of students are allowed in the classroom. Parents wishing to observe their child must have prior permission from the Faith Formation Office and thereafter the catechist will be informed regarding the visit. Classroom Celebrations Liturgical seasons will be observed in classroom celebrations. For example, Christmas parties may not be held until after December 25. There is usually time for a Christmas celebration in January, during the Christmas season, when the children return to class. Food or drink is not permitted in the classroom at any time. This applies to adults and children alike. Please contact the Faith Formation office to reserve an appropriate place for any classroom event involving food or drink refreshments, as space is limited. Diocesan Requirements All employees, ministers, and volunteers in the Diocese of Las Vegas are required to be fingerprinted and to attend a Protecting God s Children workshop held throughout the year at parishes in the diocese. Monthly Virtus updates must also be completed